Revelation 20 - Nathanael

Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:14‭-‬15 NIV

http://bible.com/111/rev.20.14-15.NIV

The second death - that place of torment and suffering that we commonly refer to as hell. It is a place of separation - but not of separation of our body from our spirit which is the first death or physical death. No it is a place of separation from God and from others. A place of extreme isolation forever - the second death. 

Thanks be to God for his wonderful and indescribable gift! Jesus Christ who takes away our sins and writes our names in the lamb's book if life. Not because of our good works but because of his love for us! 

Thank you Jesus for rescuing a sinner such as I!

Revelation 19 - Nathanael

At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Don't do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus."

Revelation 19:10 NIV

http://bible.com/111/rev.19.10.NIV

I think it is interesting to see how the angel responds when John starts to worship him. He quickly says "No" and says to only worship God. 

This whole book is the revelation of Jesus Christ. It tells us of his glory, power and his return. 

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith! 

Revelation 18 - Nathanael

They will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out: " 'Woe! Woe to you, great city, where all who had ships on the sea became rich through her wealth! In one hour she has been brought to ruin!'  "Rejoice over her, you heavens! Rejoice, you people of God! Rejoice, apostles and prophets! For God has judged her with the judgment she imposed on you."

Revelation 18:19‭-‬20 NIV

http://bible.com/111/rev.18.19-20.NIV

These end time  pictures are quite interesting. There is both a spiritual and a physical component. 

From the physical side it seems at current time that the US best fits some of the descriptions with the ships of the sea becoming rich through her great wealth. The second part doesn't quite fit -at least not at this time - since the US isn't inflicting judgement on the apostles and prophets. 

The spiritual side of this is easier to understand in a way, since the spiritual forces of evil are more clearly already at work in our world. 

The great news is that we know the end of the story: Jesus is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings! He had the victory and to him belongs all glory and power! 

Revelation 15 - Nathanael

And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.

Revelation 15:8 NIV

It is interesting that in this scene of God's judgement on the earth, the temple is filled with his glory in such a strong way that no one can enter. It reminds me of the situation when Solomon built and then consecrated the temple. 

God's glory is revealed in his presence, in being worshiped and in his judgement.

Revelation 14 - Nathanael

Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water."

Revelation 14:6‭-‬7 NIV

http://bible.com/111/rev.14.6-7.NIV

Even at the end of time God is calling for people to repent and come to him and find forgiveness and life. 

While God could just destroy everything that is evil, the Bible says that he is being patient, not wanting anyone to perish. He knows that in that large group of evil that there are people who he is going to redeem and set free- just like he did for me!  thank you Jesus for your love, mercy and patience. 

Revelation 10 - Nathanael

And when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say, "Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down."

Revelation 10:4 NIV

http://bible.com/111/rev.10.4.NIV

God  tells us a lot about the end times in this book but there are still things that remain hidden until later.

God is good and amazing and powerful. He holds the whole earth in his hands and he knows all that will happen in the future. It is good for us to put our trust in him because he loves us! 

Thank you Jesus for your love! 

Revelation 8 - Nathanael

The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God's people, went up before God from the angel's hand. Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.

Revelation 8:4‭-‬5 NIV

http://bible.com/111/rev.8.4-5.NIV

There are a lot of horrible judgements that come on the earth in this chapter. 

The main key to understanding this is the time-frame - when does this happen?

After a few more chapters I'll weigh in with my two cents on that. For now, suffice it to say that it is sometime in the future. 

It is interesting to see the prayers of God's people coming into the picture and the imagery used to describe them. They are like a fragrant offering to God, mixed with incense. So they 'smell' good and are pleasing to God, and they affect his actions. 

Thank you God that you in your power and glory care about and are pleased with us! 

Revelations 6 - Nathanael

In chapter 4 the book of Revelations took a turn in focus as described in verse 1 and 2: After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this."  At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.

Revelation 4:1‭-‬2 NIV

http://bible.com/111/rev.4.1-2.NIV

So John is now "in spirit" - perhaps like a vision - and is now seeing from heaven's perspective and is seeing "what must take place after this" - in other words he is seeing future events. 

In chapter 6 he sees Jesus opening up 7 seals on a scroll and with each opened, something happens.  It seems that each of these is like a span of time and events that will happen in that time period. In  fact this is somewhat of a table of contents about the rest of the book of Revelations. Here we are seeing a summary of upcoming descriptions that will go into greater detail. 

Outline of historical time stages:

1) conquest - this happened much from Jesus time up through World War two. There is still some happening but much less. It even ended more before that time. 

2) peace gone - certainly peace has been a goal of the world for a limb time but starting with the formation of the United Nations this has been a global goal, though as this describes, it is an elusive goal. 

3) famine - we certainly have had famines in places of the world, but this seems to me like a future events on a global scale

4) 1/4 of world dies. I think this is future 

5) persecution of believers - certainly now more than in the past.  I think more to come in future

6) moon red, calamity with stars, wrath of God that people are hiding from

God knows the future and has described what will happen. It is  cause for us to draw neat to God and put our trust in his goodness and love!

Revelation 2 - Nathanael

I find several things interesting as I read this chapter:

1) The characteristics of Jesus that are described in the intro to the church relate to what the church is going through. For instance in the first to Ephesus, Jesus is described as one who walks among the seven golden lamp stands and then that church is in jeopardy of having their lamp stand removed if they don't repent.  In some ways this is similar to how some of the names of God are demonstrated in the Old Testament where we see Jahweh Jireh as the God who Provides when God provides a substitute for the sacrifice of Isaac.

2) When reading through these descriptions of churches it is good to see that most have their strengths and their weaknesses.  God commends for the strengths and then calls for changes in the areas of their weakness or sins.  When we look at our own churches, I think it is good to view them from a similar lens 1) what are the strengths 2) what are the weaknesses.  Also we can look at these examples to see which of these churches that we are most like and what areas God would commend and what areas God calls us to change.  

These lenses can also be used on our own lives.

As I look over the list of these churches, it seems to me that from the ones listed in chapter 2, we would be closest to the first - the church in Ephesus.  I'm not saying that we are identical, but just from this list so far, that is the closest.

Ephesus - hard work, good deeds, not tolerate wicked, hardships - forsaken first love -- partial

Smyrna - under heavy persecution - even to point of death -- not us now

Pergamum - persons killed but still faithful, sexual immorality -- not us now

Thyatira - good deeds - doing more than did - tolerate Jezabel -- not as close

There are items from each that we can learn are bad and to be avoided and things that are good and to be aimed for.

From Ephesus we see that it is possible for us to grow cold in our love for God. We can be so busy serving and working that we lose the relationship with God.  He calls us to repent - to change our minds and direction - to do the things we did earlier on - that is loving and pursuing God.

Jesus, help me to not only serve you, but to love you with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  I want you to be my purpose, my sufficiency, my goal, my choice, my life, my hope, my joy...my all in all.

Thank you for your love and your goodness!

Revelation 2 - Randy

I read this chapter.  I think I will need to spend ore time/research to gain an understanding of Revelation.  

I John - Randy

Verses 6-10:

 6If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

Integrity, as I read these verses the word Integrity stands out.  I can't  help but think of the times of trying to teach my children that things only get worse when we try to hide them or lie about them. I can remember saying to them, the earlier you admit to what yo have done, the lesser the consequences  and the quicker things are made right.  The longer we hide our wrong doing, the more we lie to cover up our mistakes, the worse things become. I think its possible that  we can hide and cover up something  for so long, that we start to thing its ok, but it never ends up as being ok. Its also true that the longer we continue down this path of concealing our behavior, the more people we hurt.  

So, how does all this relate to the verses above? (Before I go an further, I should declare that I'm speaking to myself here, so this commentary is about Randy and to Randy. I only hope that Randy listens to himself, for once.)  We all want to be saints on Sunday morning, but we are all sinners.  Its not ok to be satisfied or complacent with being a sinner,   sometimes we make statements about being sinners, and we joke about it and we smile or laugh.  But I don't think this is ok, this is not what we are meant or built to be or become.   Of course we  are all sinners, we know this, but this doesn't give us a "pass".

Back to the verses above, I have an integrity problem.  I want to be a Jesus Follower, but on my terms :(. I want to be a Jesus Follower on Sunday morning, or when I'm in the presence of other Jesus Followers. But what about Saturday afternoon when I with friends, or on Monday morning when I'm at work, or at a business dinner on Wednesday night?  Or even worse and maybe more incriminating, how about when I'm alone, how do I spend my time, what  do I read, or watch on TV?  So you see, (again this is Randy talking to Randy) its not ok, and its not "just the way it is" and more importantly, I know I am forgiven, but maybe I'm not excused from being accountable. 

So to be a Christian, a Jesus Follower, means having Integrity, being sincere and loyal to being the best Jesus Follower that I can be.

In my case, I always come back to the exercise that Nathanael suggested I try, to list all of my sins and to confess them.  This taught me, that for me, its not necessarily about stopping doing the "don'ts" (although I am guilty of my fair share of these), but about starting to do and practice the "DOs" .  I think if I put the required time and energy into doing the DOs, I will have less time to fall into Don'ts.

Revelation 1 - Nathanael

Revelation 1:5b-6 To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

Jesus is a great and mighty God!  This book is a revealing of Jesus, his greatness and his mighty works that will come at the end of times.

Jesus you are amazing and all glory and power belong to you forever!  Thank you so much that you love us!  I don't deserve your love.  And thank you that you freed me from my sins - at the cost of your life and blood.  I'm sorry for my grievous sins and I thank you that you love me and set me free!  And not only did you wash and cleanse me but then you made us to be a kingdom - your kingdom.  And you have given us the privilege of being priests - to serve our God and Father!! It is too much to imagine! I will worship and serve you all of my life!  Thank you for your goodness and love!

John 21 - Nathanael

Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me."
John 21:22 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jhn.21.22.NIV

Peter starts into the deadly game of comparison and Jesus quickly refocused his attention. He told Peter not to worry about what his plan was for John and that it was actually none of his business. What Peter needed to focus on was simply following Jesus!
That is the same for all of us. We tend to look at others and ask 'what about them?' - why don't they have to go through this? Why do they get that?
Jesus answer to us is the same: it is none of our business. We just need to follow Jesus.

Help us to keep our eyes on you and not on others!

John 20 - Nathanael

Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John 20:30‭-‬31 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jhn.20.30-31.NIV

Thank you Lord Jesus that you have shown us that you are God, you are good,  that you love us and that we can have life in your name!
Your name is powerful and like no other! Your name gives life and hope!
Your name moves mountains!
You alone have the power to forgive us, change us, heal us, restore us.  Thank you for your love!

John 19 - Nathanael

From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar." 

These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken,"
John 19:12‭, ‬36 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jhn.19.12-36.NIV

Though Jesus could have been let go from most perspectives it was all happening according to God's plans.

John 18 - Nathanael

Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"
John 18:11 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jhn.18.11.NIV

While Jesus was praying in the garden before this point, he had asked for the cup to be taken away. But he submitted his will to God and decided that he would do God's will and not his own. So at this point he was firmly decided to go to the cross

John 16 - Randy

Verse 33: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

We all want peace, joy, security, love, prosperity, etc..  The list goes on, what seems like forever. 

But, "In this world you will have trouble".  We work so hard, try so many things, and torture ourselves and those around us, seeking, what is in essence, peace. In fact, I know I'm guilty of turning away from God, all in an effort to find...peace.

I think this is another case where God gives us the answer, the roadmap, to what we are looking for, but we are just so stubborn. Or maybe its our pride, we want "do it our way", our way always turns out to seem foolish,  in the end.

I am only speaking for myself here, I think I need to look more (exclusively) to God, and quit looking at all the things in the world, if I want to find peace.

John 15 - Nathanael

If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.  Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.'  If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.
John 15:19‭-‬20 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jhn.15.19-20.NIV
This passage is both comforting and sobering at the same time.
First it tells us of the belonging we have in Christ- that he has chosen us!
But with that great honor comes the reality of persecution. It is a common human desire to have everyone like them. Clearly this is not possible no matter who you are. Jesus himself was hated by some!
So we must rather choose to find our belonging in Christ. Then those who love him will also love us.
Thank you Jesus for your love and the privilege of belonging to you!

John 15-Hanjun

Verse 7, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." (NIV) My understanding for "..., ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you" is once we know God's will through his words, we would ask for the requests and needs that are according to or consistent with his will, so God will answer our prayer requests. 

Verse 25, "But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law, 'They hated me without reason.'" (NIV) I pray God please help the people who hate you experience your love and love you. You can change people's hearts.

John 14 - Nathanael

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 
John 14:6
Important messages:
1)Jesus is the one and only way to eternal life and to knowing God

And what goes with this is John 6:44
"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them
2) No one can be saved on their own but it takes God beginning that work in their heart to draw them to Jesus.

Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them."  
John 14:21
It is easy to say that we love Jesus. According to Jesus, the proof of that statement is in obedience. If you want Jesus to show himself to you then obey him.

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 
John 14:26
Thank you Father for sending your Holy Spirit and thank you Spirit for coming to teach and remind us of what Jesus said!

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:‬27 NIV
Peace is something we need and long for. Jesus brings a peace beyond our understanding or our expectations! Then he tells us - commands us really- to not let our hearts be troubled. So we are to stop the troubled feeling when it starts to come. We can only do that when we recognize that we have a good God who loves us, knows what is best, knows the future and is working for our good. Then we can rest in him and put our trust in him.
Holy Spirit remind and teach us. Come and comfort and give rest to our souls!
http://bible.com/111/jhn.14.6-27.NIV

John 14 - Randy

Verse 6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.7If you really know me, you will knowmy Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."

Its pretty simple isn't it,  there is only one way, so its not like we have to navigate a complex map with many routes to our destination.  But, we (at least I am guilty of this) want an alternative path, why can can't we define our own way?  We ask for Jesus to tell us the way, he responds, and we say..uhmmm let me think about it.  

Sometimes I think all of our efforts that we pour into religion and theology are an attempt to build a different path. 

Just like the verse above, the way is simple, doesn't require a lot of research or indepth probing to understand.   But like so much of what I read in the Bible, Faith is the key here, faith to believe the words of Jesus.  Where the research and probing comes into play isn't into the words of Jesus, but into our own hearts. Do we have the heart to turn away from false beliefs and teachings, and turn to Jesus?

 

John 13 - Nathanael

Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."  Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!
John 13:37‭-‬38 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jhn.13.37-38.NIV

We often think that our faith is stronger than it really is and that our internal strength to do right is stronger than it really is. We are only tested in adversity and only then see what is really inside. We see that sin and fear is lurking and that our only hope is our savior Jesus Christ!

Lord show us our weakness and sinfulness so we will seek you more completely!

John 11 - Randy

I read  the chapter.

Thanks

John 10 Randy

Verses 14- 18: 14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.16I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.17The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."

I don't think I have ever heard anyone teach on theses verses, and maybe I'm not reading correctly.  But, it looks to me as though that the reference "I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also." may be Jesus saying that his invitation is not only for the Jews, but for anyone who will listen and accept him as Savior.   I also like the additional language "there shall be one flock and one shepherd."  which I read as there is a community beyond or greater than what we know, there is a community that rises above Jews, Gentiles, republicans, democrats, etc. there is the Christian community.

John 9 - Nathanael

Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"   Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you."   Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him. 
John 9:35‭, ‬37‭-‬38‭
When we hear the term 'son of man' we don't usually understand what it means like this man and others during that time.  It is a messianic title as clearly this man understood.  As soon as he knew that Jesus was the son of man, he worshipped him!

Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.
John 9:‭41 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jhn.9.35-41.NIV
When we come to God thinking we are OK and that we know what we need to know we receive nothing from him - no forgiveness, no healing, no help, no eternal life. But if we come in true humility, recognizing the depth of our sinfulness and recognizing that we have no hope except through Jesus, then we will be forgiven and set free and receive new life from Jesus!

John 9 - Randy

My take away from reading this chapter is that we all, as individuals, make a decision of accepting or rejecting Jesus.

There is no room for the "middle" or "I have to hear more", we all have had the opportunity to hear the Message,  there is no need for more evidence, research, etc.  

I don't mean that we stop trying to tell people about Jesus, or that we force a permanent acceptance or rejection decision.  But, I think the message is that we have all the evidence we need, we have all the data we need, more evidence or data will not provide an answer, its down to acceptance. 

I also think for people like me, we need to remind ourselves daily (if not constantly) that we have made this decision and we need to live up to a standard that reflects our acceptance (this isn't easy).  As for me, I think I need to focus more on the "doing" of God's teaching versus the don'ts.  I feel like if I did all the "DOs" then there would not be room in my life for me to do the "Do Nots".

John 8 - Nathanael

"Very truly I tell you," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"  At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.
John 8:58‭-‬59 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jhn.8.58-59.NIV

This is a powerful passage and a clear statement that Jesus makes claiming to be God, taking on the name of God and claiming to have been around before Abraham.

Not sure how Jesus hid himself, if it was supernatural or just that he ran out from there. The people wanting to stone him probably didn't have big rocks suitable for stoning right there since they were in the temple court. So they may have had to step outside to get some and then he could have slipped away.

John 5 - Nathanael

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval."   I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
John 6:27‭, ‬51 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jhn.6.27-51.NIV

We spend most of our time and focus on food that spoils. I want my focus to be on eternal things but I am so often distracted and fear chokes out passion.
Jesus help me to keep my eyes focused on you! I want to live and act and think with an eternal focus!

John 3 - Nathanael

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
John 3:19‭

Here is one of the most basic reasons that some will not follow Jesus. It isn't because the evidence that he is good isn't clear or that they don't understand. We usually have the same response when we've done something wrong and it gets pointed out to us. We usually get defensive. But our attitude needs to be to love the light, recognize humbly that we are sinners, accept the truth that we need to change, and that we need God's help to do so.
Help me Jesus to be humble and live the light!

He must become greater; I must become less."  
John 3:30
Here is an attitude that we should always have. This life is not for our fame or glory but for God's. This  kingdom is not ours but God's!
Help me Jesus to love you most and always put you first and to live for your fame!

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them.
John 3:36 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jhn.3.19-36.NIV

Amen! You Lord Jesus are the king! In you alone is life. May we submit  to you fully and find life and forgiveness in you! May the world know you, submit to you, experience your love and find eternal life!

John 2 - Nathanael

John 2:24-25 24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.

It is interesting how Jesus dealt with fame, people knowing him and his relationship to people in general.  He wasn't looking for the testimony about him from others.  In other words, he wasn't wanting people to be proclaiming that he was God, or the Messiah - as we see many times that he quieted the demons who said who he was, and told people not to tell who he was.  He knew what was in people, that they are sinful, and one moment can love you and another moment can crucify you - as happened to him in the end.

He didn't look for fame, though it found him. When he grew too famous in an area, he would leave and go to another place so that he could preach.  He was always on mission - working to find and save those who were lost.  Fame often detracted from that so he avoided it and would stay in quiet and remote locations.

Fame and celebrity culture is something that today is one of the main things that people are looking for.  Wanting to be known and be famous - even if for a short while - is a common goal for many.  Certainly this attitude comes into the church of God as preachers and leaders can seek to be famous, and people push and shove trying to become the most important in the church and gain fame or notice.

I think that I/we need to examine our hearts, goals, motivations in this area.

Lord Jesus, help me to follow you and you alone!  May you alone receive the glory and honor and help me be your humble servant, following you and living in your love!

John 1- Randy

read the chapter today.

Hebrews and James - Debbie

I've read.

Jude 1 - Randy

Verses 17-25: 17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their 

own ungodly desires." 19These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

20But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,21keep yourselves in Godʼs love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

22Be merciful to those who doubt; 23save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

24To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

There seems to be a never ending array of distractions and dissenters (I am sure that I fall into one of these categories from time to time). Even well meaning believers can sometimes get caught up in petty arguments, or even issues that they (we) believe are of high importance to the Christian faith and our "religion".  These type of issues/behaviors come about as a byproduct of of our human nature. We are quick to point out someone's error or improper behavior. 

But in reading the Bible, its interesting to me as to who Jesus rejected versus who he accepted.  

I pray that I do not continue to fall into this type of behavior: "These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit."

I think the only  way that I can avoid failing into this trap of judgmental behavior, while ignoring my own faults, is to focus on "him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen."

James 2 - Nathanael

My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.
James 2:1 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jas.2.1.NIV
This works two ways: don't show favoritism and don't discriminate.

James 1 - Nathanael

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
James 1:19‭-‬20 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jas.1.19-20.NIV

James is such a practical letter! These verses spoke to me and reminded me that in those times when I feel anger rising, I should not allow it to grow and vent because my anger doesn't bring about God's righteousness.

Jesus, help me to reign in anger! I want your righteousness in my life and in those around me!

Hebrews 13 - Nathanael

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:20‭-‬21 NIV
http://bible.com/111/heb.13.20-21.NIV

God gives us everything we need to do his will. He also changes us inside so that we are pleasing to him. What a good God!!

Thank you Jesus for your love and work in our lives!

Hebrews 12 - Nathanael

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11 NIV
http://bible.com/111/heb.12.11.NIV

Amen! We don't like discipline but the rewards and benefits are many!

Hebrews - Debbie

I've read all of Hebrews

Hebrews 9 - Nathanael

Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
Hebrews 9:27‭-‬28 NIV
http://bible.com/111/heb.9.27-28.NIV
Some important insights both for our present lives but also as we look forward to Christ's return.
First we see that we only live and die once, so this life isn't a practice but our one and only life. So we should live in such a way as to make this life count.

We also see that when Jesus returns he comes to complete our salvation!

Thank you Jesus!

Hebrews 5 - Nathanael

During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.
Hebrews 5:7‭
These statements about Jesus are loaded with helpful and practical info that we can apply to our lives.
1) how Jesus prayed - loud and fervent cries and tears. Not a passive, quiet prayer
2) he was heard because of reverent submission- an amazing statement! Tells us about the importance of submitting completely to God
3) "heard" prayers don't always mean answered in the way we'd want. Jesus prayed for the cup of suffering to be removed from him. Of course he also submitted beautifully, saying "not my will but yours be done"

Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him
Hebrews 5:7‭-‬9 NIV
http://bible.com/111/heb.5.7-9.NIV

Suffering seems to be important for us to learn obedience. And obedience is required for eternal salvation provided by Jesus!

So Jesus, teach me to obey and submit completely to you! I need your love and mercy!

Hebrews 4 - Nathanael

Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. 
Hebrews 4:11‭
It is somewhat ironic that we souk make every effort to enter into rest: ie work hard to rest. But in God's rest is life! Clearly obstacles for us include disobedience that leads to death instead of rest. But we need God's help to be able to accomplish this. That is what is said in verse 16:

Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 NIV
http://bible.com/111/heb.4.11-16.NIV

When we sin and fail, our default reaction is to hide and run. But that is the opposite of what we need to do. We need to run to God. And Hebrews says "with confidence". That is because God loves us and has proven that love by dying for us. So God wants us to run to him and get help from him!

Thank you Jesus for your love and that you want me to run to you! Thank you for your mercy, grace and help!

Hebrews 4 - Randy

Verse 16: Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

I the proceeding verse we have "let us hold firmly to the faith we profess"

Its interesting isn't it- this is quite the promise, yet I, for one, seem to not be willing to go this far with "the faith we profess". 
I know that now, in my own life, I need to "receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need". Its all a matter of faith, faith that trusts God to be who he says he is and to fulfill his promises.  But, I must trust, be wiling to step out into the unknown, maybe better yet, step out without "me" controlling he situation.  Its funny, why would I trust myself over trusting God- to be fair, I'm the one who created this mess to begin with,
Sometimes we just need to read God's word and let it sink in.

Hebrews 3 - Nathanael

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
Hebrews 3:13‭
We need each other in the body of Christ to encourage each other. We are often blind to our own faults, and as Hebrews points out, sin is quite deceitful. Sin tricks us, lies to us and makes our hearts hard so we don't detect what is happening. The kind and true word of a brother or sister in Christ is often what we need to be awakened to the truth!

We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.
Hebrews 3:14 NIV
http://bible.com/111/heb.3.13-14.NIV

Lord Jesus, hold onto me and keep me in you! I need your help and your love to keep strong to the end! I thank you for your love and faithfulness!

Hebrews Chapters 1-3 Debbie

I've read.

In Chapter 2:10 ...should make the "founder" of their salvation "perfect through suffering".    It makes me think that  if my savior was made perfect through suffering then if I respond right to suffering then he will make me into the person He wants me to be.

2:17 "...so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.  Propitiation - turning away God's wrath.  Thank you Jesus for providing a way out.

vs. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Heb. 3:6  ..but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son.  And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our

confidence and our boasting in our hope.    Holding fast our confidence spoke to me.  Vs. 7-19 spoke to me about not becoming hard hearted, or having an unbelieving heart, leading me to fall away from the living God.   And the warning at the end of the chapter, So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.  It makes me want to check myself and guard myself against unbelief or get hard towards God.

Hebrews 2 - Nathanael

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Hebrews 2:18 NIV
http://bible.com/111/heb.2.18.NIV

Thanl you Jesus that you were made like us in every way though you did not sin. Thank you for suffering on my behalf and thank you for understanding our weaknesses and for having mercy on us!

1 Peter 5 -Wun-gwi

not pursuing dishonest gain,

Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith,

1 Peter 5: 2,8-9

Only God can rescue me from this horrible world that deceive me and made me proud of.

Help me Lord that I stand firm in the faith while I am living in this world!

2 Peter 1 - Nathanael

 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:8

This has always struck me as such a powerful statement and promise!  First off, who wants to be ineffective and unproductive?  No one!  Secondly, the implication is that there is a real risk for us to be ineffective and unproductive as followers of Jesus. If I am honest, there are definitely times that I have fallen into that category.  So what is the solution? Possessing these qualities in increasing measure.  In other words keep growing in the characteristics that Peter had just talked about.  And what is that?

Here they are:

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

2 Peter 1:5-7

Obviously a lot can be said about each one of these.  Two observations: 1) we are to make every effort (it takes work to grow) 2) there is a progression ("add to your...")

We cannot grow in these by ourselves, but it takes the work of Jesus in our lives.  

One last comment:  Verse 9 adds that a corollary to not growing in these areas is forgetting that we have been cleansed from our past sins ( "But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind,forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins."

This probably happens in two forms: 1) habitual sin - I forget that I have been cleansed from past sins so I go back and keep sinning 2) pride - I think that I am good by my own strength and become proud and look down on others.  Both of these are bad and are indicators that we need to be growing in Jesus in the previous areas

So Jesus, please help me to keep growing and keep me focused on you!  Please help me to turn from sin and stay humble, recognizing that I am a sinner, saved by your mercy!

1 Peter 5 - Nathanael

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6‭-‬7 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1pe.5.6-7.NIV

Coming to Jesus starts with humility. Receiving his life, help and love starts with humility. We need to lay down our hands and run to him and receive from him. Casting our worries, our future, our lives on him because he loves us.
Thank you Jesus for your love!

1 Peter 4 - Nathanael - Suffering is good!

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
1 Peter 4:1-2 NIV

As people, we try to avoid suffering whenever possible.  Not only that but we also sometimes get upset and frustrated when, as followers of Jesus Christ, we face suffering - thinking subconsciously that we shouldn't suffer if we are doing good. 

Peter here points out an important truth: suffering purifies us.  It stops us from sinning!  It changes our focus so that we recognize what is really important.  When we are afraid of dying or see people who have died, it reminds us that life is short and we should focus on the important things.  In a similar way, when we face suffering, it forces us to seek God.  This is especially true when the suffering is a consequence of some hurtful activity we've done (e.g. smoking -> cancer -> stop smoking and never do it again).  It is also true that we grow most from difficulties that help change us.

So when we face suffering, let's remember to ask God for his purification, his help and his change!

1 Peter 3 - Nathanael

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
1 Peter 3:15 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1pe.3.15.NIV

How we say things is often as important as what we say. Not only should we be ready to tell about the hope we have, but we need to tell it with gentleness and respect. Otherwise our method destroys the message.

Titus 3- Wun-gwi

We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.

This is good verse that reminding my previous life with full of sin and worldly desire and I was saved through the love of God because of his mercy.

Thank you Jesus.

Titus 2- Wun-gwi

⁹ Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, ¹⁰ and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.

God is talking to me through these verses.

As an employee of my current job, I need to do my best and should not steal from them, such as my time, efforts.

Thank you Lord that you reminded me that my current job and life are provided by you I am thankful for that.

I am now in the full of joy!

Titus 2 - Nathanael

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
Titus 2:11‭-‬13 NIV
http://bible.com/111/tit.2.11-13.NIV

God's free gift to us is his son Jesus. Jesus teaches us to live godly and upright lives as we await his return.

Jesus, thank you for your love and mercy for us! Help me to live in a way that pleases you and brings glory to your name. I love you!

Titus 1 - Nathanael

They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain.
Titus 1:11 NIV
http://bible.com/111/tit.1.11.NIV

It is interesting that even so early in the church there were such problems. I guess the fact remains that wherever the kingdom of God is advancing, the devil is going to try all he can to stop and derail it.
Lord Jesus protect us from the evil one! Help us to follow you completely!

2 Timothy 4 - Nathanael

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
2 Timothy 4:3 NIV
http://bible.com/111/2ti.4.3.NIV

This unfortunately is very true of our time. Lord Jesus, please keep us seeking  the truth. You are the truth!

2 Timothy 3 -Wun-gwi

¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God^[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

I am glad to see the great memory verse I've learned.

I experienced that more reading the bible helps my current life more.

I pray that I can seek after the Truth by daily bible reading

2 Timothy 3 - Nathanael- persecution

Most of us run from pain and many run from conflict and yet Jesus promised that we would have persecution if we follow him. Paul says it like this to Timothy:
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted
2 Timothy 3:12‭ NIV
http://bible.com/111/2ti.3.12.NIV

Here is where a conflict of interest comes. On the one hand we want to be godly and follow Jesus, but on the other we run away from the thought of persecution. So what should we do?
Lord help me to want you so much that I don't care if I am persecuted and that I can rejoice when I am persecuted!

2 Timothy 2 - Nathanael- trustworthy sayings and solid foundation

Paul loads this chapter with much practical advice and important statements of truth. He includes some important statements that he wants us to pay attention to so he describes them as a "trustworthy saying" and "God's solid foundation".  Those sound pretty important to me!

Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;  if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;  if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. 
2 Timothy 2:11‭-‬13
What strikes me is that 3 of the four are good news and there is one that is a serious warning: don't deny Jesus. The great news is that even if we become faithless, our eternal life is built on God's faithfulness not ours! Thank you Jesus for your great love and faithfulness!

Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."
2 Timothy 2:19
This is a powerful statement of belonging and a strong challenge to pursue the one we belong to. Help me Jesus to fully turn to you and find life!

2 Timothy 2:11‭-‬13‭, ‬19 NIV
http://bible.com/111/2ti.2.11-19.NIV

1Timothy Chapters 1-6 and 2 Timothy Chapter1 Debbie

I've read.

2 Timothy 1 - Nathanael - stability in uncertain times

That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.
2 Timothy 1:12 NIV
http://bible.com/111/2ti.1.12.NIV

Paul was in prison because he had been preaching about the good news of Jesus. In such a situation there would be plenty of time to question if he was doing the right thing and why he was suffering for doing good. Hardships can test us to the core of our being. But Paul had an anchor for his soul - he knows Jesus who he has believed in. He knows him personally! He knows him intimately.  He speaks to him regularly. And he has seen and knows that Jesus has the power to take care of him in all situations.

Thank you Jesus!

1 Timothy 6 - Nathanael - Money, money, money, money!

Money is always a very important topic!  Jesus talked about it A LOT and most people are interested, concerned and spend much of their lives in pursuit of it.  We can also see the great harm that it causes when abused/misused even, and perhaps especially, among the followers of Jesus. Paul gives Timothy a shocking warning - especially in verse 8.

Paul warns Timothy in the 6th chapter of his first letter to Timothy: "...people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain."  I'm sure many examples of this easily come to mind.

Paul then goes on to give the proper perspective on life and money starting in verse 6: 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 

Money isn't eternal so don't focus on it.  All we need is to be content with what we have and follow in God's ways.

He goes on to describe contentment basics:

Verse 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 

In our materialistic world, this is quite a shocker! We normally think of food, clothing and shelter as minimum requirements but he strips it back to the very basics.  If our perspective truly is that God is all we need and only God and people are of lasting value or importance, then we can be content with just this.  Our lives get easily cluttered and we often focus on the things and gifts rather than the giver. 

He continues and indicates that the main problem is really life focus.  If our goal is to get rich, then we are already looking in the wrong direction and are a destined to fall into ruin and destruction.  

9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 

As Jesus said, "Where your treasure is there will your heart be also" (Matt 6:21). The love of money is idolatry and it is a subtle trap that we constantly are getting pulled toward.

10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Wow!  Great wisdom and warnings!

Lord Jesus, keep my eyes and focus on you and not on the things of the earth.  Let my treasure be completely in you!

1 Timothy 5-Hanjun

Verse 17, "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching  and teaching."

The elders are the leaders of church, and they work as servants with humble hearts and serve the people in church. The true elders serve not because they want to get honor from people, but because of their thankful hearts and faith in God, who shows his mercy and grace on them. 

1 Timothy chpters 1-5-Maurice

I've read

1 Timothy 5 - Nathanael

Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
1 Timothy 5:1‭-‬2 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1ti.5.1-2.NIV

This is a great paradigm for how we should relate to others. Sin problems in our lives can make this not happen at times, but Jesus came to set us free! Thank you Jesus! Help me to serve others in the way you want me to.

1 Timothy 4- Wun-gwi

¹² Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

Setting an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

This is a practical way to follow Jesus, resembling his character. However, this can be possible through holy spirit.

I have decided to follow Jesus and ask God his will be done in my life.

1 Timothy 4 - NL - New Fitness Craze!!

train yourself to be godly.8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.  1 Timothy 4:7-8

Think about how much we focus on physical fitness.  Billions of dollars and lots of hours in people's lives.  Paul says that physical fitness is good...but better yet is spiritual fitness!

We should spend more effort on spiritual fitness - godliness - since it has value not just now but for eternity!

1 Timothy 3 - NL - Quite a measuring stick!

Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 1 Timothy 3:2-4

These guidelines that Paul gives to Timothy for choosing church overseers are a good guideline for measuring our lives against. It shows us where we have areas to grow in and where God has grown and changed us. It is quite an imposing list!

• Above reproach - reproach is bringing shame or rebuke so being above reproach is living in such a way that people have nothing to accuse you of doing wrong. That is quite a high bar!
• Faithful to his wife - certainly an important area in this age when divorce and unfaithfulness are common. It demonstrates a commitment to loving another in practical ways even through hard times. 
• Temperate - Showing moderation or self restraint - commonly in areas of food and drink. Not giving into eating too much, drinking too much or excess in general.
• Self-controlled - not so much focused on the "self" but rather focused on being able to live in a right way. It is the fruit or working of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Gal 5:22-23) and is a gift from God (Titus 2:11-12) rather than us controlling ourselves by sheer will or effort.
• Respectable - a view that others have of us as being good. In verse 7 he describes it as a "good reputation with outsiders." So how do coworkers or neighbors view you? Kind or mean? Hypocritical or honorable?
• Hospitable - A practical demonstration of helping/loving those who aren't a part of your family.
• Able to teach - This requires both patience with those who don't understand, but also a clear understanding that enables you to describe things in ways that others can understand.
• Not given to drunkenness - Like temperate - showing restraint and moderation - but specifically in the area of alcohol since this obviously can be an area of problem.
• Not violent but gentle - How do you act toward your children, co-workers, wife, others - especially when they frustrate you?! Quite a challenge!
• Not quarrelsome - Sometimes Christians want to be "right" instead of show the love of Christ. Jesus didn't argue or quarrel. He told the truth in love. I like how Paul says our speech should be full of grace and seasoned with salt (Col 4:6). Sometimes we are full of salt and seasoned with grace :(
• Not a lover of money - Another area of temptation. Jesus spoke a lot about money and said that our heart will be where our treasure is (Matt 6:21). If our treasure is money and material wealth, then our heart will be there instead of loving God. True treasure is that which is eternal - God and people - the two things we are to love.
• Manage his own family well - Partially related to relationships with children and wife and partially related to the practical aspects of managing a family - finances, responsibilities
• Children obey him - But not when done with an iron fist or a terror-based obedience. But rather as God loves us and calls us to follow and obey. There is discipline involved, but mercy triumphs over judgement (Jas 2:13). It is God's love and kindness that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4).

Who is worthy of such regard?! Our only hope is that it is Jesus who changes and works in us (Phil 2:13). Thanks be to Jesus who continues to lead us, change us and shape us in his glorious image! Jesus I need your help!